Children's Center Cook

North Idaho College•Chesterfield, MO

1d•$15 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

Help nourish young minds by preparing healthy, delicious meals that support children's growth, learning, and well-being. As the Children's Center Cook, you'll play an important role in creating a positive mealtime experience for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and staff while helping foster healthy habits that last a lifetime. In this role, you'll plan, prepare, and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for approximately 65 children and 15 adults, following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines and accommodating specialized dietary needs. You'll assist with menu planning, recipe development, food purchasing, and budget management while maintaining accurate records and completing required program documentation. You'll also ensure the kitchen, food preparation areas, and storage spaces meet the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. As part of the Children's Center team, you'll participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and family events, contributing to a warm, welcoming environment that supports children, families, and colleagues. We're looking for someone who is organized, dependable, and passionate about preparing nutritious meals for young children. The ideal candidate enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, communicates effectively, and takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen. Success in this role requires the ability to balance multiple priorities, adapt to children's dietary needs, use technology for recordkeeping, and support a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and a minimum of three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license in order to drive to various locations when purchasing food and meal supplies.
Food Handlers Card through Panhandle Health upon hire.
Must successfully complete an enhanced criminal background check including fingerprinting, as required by state child care licensing requirements prior to working unsupervised with children.

Nice To Haves

Organized
Dependable
Passionate about preparing nutritious meals for young children
Enjoys working as part of a collaborative team
Communicates effectively
Takes pride in maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen
Ability to balance multiple priorities
Ability to adapt to children's dietary needs
Ability to use technology for recordkeeping
Supports a positive, inclusive environment

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for approximately 65 children and 15 adults, following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines and accommodating specialized dietary needs.
Assist with menu planning, recipe development, food purchasing, and budget management.
Maintain accurate records and complete required program documentation.
Ensure the kitchen, food preparation areas, and storage spaces meet the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and family events.